๐ Which Country Produces the Most Watermelon in the World (2025)?
Published: April 29, 2025 | Source: The Takeout
Watermelon is the third most cultivated fruit in the world—just behind tomatoes and bananas—with over 100 million metric tons harvested annually. But which country dominates global production?
๐ Global Watermelon Production Leader: China
China is by far the largest producer of watermelon, harvesting over 60 million metric tons in 2022. To compare:
- ๐จ๐ณ China: 60+ million metric tons
- ๐น๐ท Turkey: 3.4 million metric tons
China grows nearly 18 times more watermelon than Turkey—the second-largest producer—and contributes more than half of the world’s total supply.
๐ Watermelon's Journey to China
- ๐ Origin: Northeast Africa, over 5,000 years ago
- ๐ Introduced to China via the Silk Road in the 10th century
- ๐ฑ Originally grown for hydration rather than taste
Early watermelons were bitter and used for their high water content in desert climates. Through centuries of cultivation, the fruit became sweeter and gained popularity in China's royal courts—eventually spreading across all social classes.
๐ฝ️ How China Eats Watermelon
Most people in China enjoy watermelon fresh and sliced, similar to many countries, but there are also unique traditional preparations:
- ๐ฅฃ Xi Gua Lao: A pink watermelon jelly from Beijing
- ๐ฝ️ Lร chวo xฤซguฤ pรญ: A savory stir-fry made from watermelon rind, soy sauce, chili garlic paste, and black vinegar
- ๐ฐ Seeds: Often roasted and eaten like sunflower seeds
Per capita watermelon consumption in China is about 110 pounds per year — the highest in the world.
๐ Sources
- The Takeout – Which Country Produces the Most Watermelon
- FAO – Global Fruit Production Data
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. All data are based on publicly available reports from credible sources.
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